Match Report Y8 Rugby - Monday 21 October

oxted v howard of Effingham
final score 5 - 31

Oxted travelled to Leatherhead to play against a well reputed Howard of Effingham team. H of E started the brighter of the two sides, they clearly had some powerful athletes who caused havoc for the Oxted defence. Oxted seemed to lack confidence and were put out of their stride by the more physical opposition. The first half saw H of E cross the line for 4 tries, leaving a shell-shocked Oxted in their wake. Oxted’s lack lustre tackling and lack of confidence on the ball seemed to be our undoing. H of E quickly recognised that main attacking threat was Sam Regan, who was managed extremely effectively by his opposite number, which nullified his many efforts to break their line.

The second half saw Oxted come to life with some nice pick and drives, which got us on to the front foot. Our rucking remained consistent enough to secure our own ball and we eventually managed to exert some pressure on the H of E line. Eventually James Bruce powered over from short range after some effective carries by Sam Regan, Owen Hulme and Max McAuliffe. The only difference from the first half to the second was that we had the confidence to run at them. Once we were on the front foot we looked much more like a rugby team.

The final score was H of E 31 - Oxted 5.

We were beaten by a better team who were physical, had pace and frequently dominated the contact area. Oxted did exaggerate the difference between the two sides and the score line by their unusual lack of confidence in both defence and attack. However I was pleased with the way Oxted did claw themselves back into the game and we enjoyed a sustained period of possession in their 22m area, which we eventually converted to a try.

Man of the Match – Harry Hardisty for his tireless defence, and frequent darting runs.